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04 Oct 2025
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04 Oct 2025
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More than 4,600 family carers across Kilkenny and Carlow will receive the Carer’s Support Grant of €2,000 from the Department of Social Protection today (Thursday, June 5).
The announcement was made by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, and welcomed locally by Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy John McGuinness, who described the increased payment as “needed and welcome”.
A total of 2,534 carers in Kilkenny and 2,165 in Carlow are set to benefit from the once-yearly payment, which supports those providing full-time care in homes and communities across the region.
READ MORE: Have Kilkenny councillors identified major flaw in North Quays project?
Nationally, 138,000 carers will receive the grant today. The payment, which is not taxable, is available to all full-time carers supporting an older person or someone with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
The rate of the grant has increased by €150 this year, rising from €1,850 to its highest-ever level of €2,000. The total cost of the grant being paid today is €313 million.
The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for, acknowledging the additional financial burden and challenges faced by carers. Over 16,000 carers who provide care for two or more people will receive a separate payment for each person.
Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to announce that 138,000 carers will receive the Carer’s Support Grant of €2,000 today. This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society.
“The grant will be paid automatically to those receiving Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, and Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers not receiving these payments and is paid in respect of each person being cared for.
“As Minister for Social Protection, I recognise the crucial role family carers play in our society. You dedicate yourselves to providing care to support your loved ones and I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you make in our society and in our local communities.”
SEE ALSO: ‘A few bangs’ prompt safety fears on Kilkenny road famous for deer crossings
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid automatically to all recipients of Carer’s Allowance (full or half-rate), Carer’s Benefit, and Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers who do not receive any of these payments.
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